The Best Pizza in Cape Town

Thin and crispy Roman-style? Soft and chewy Neapolitan ones? Or stodgy American versions? And when it comes to toppings, do you stick to a few simple ones, so that the dough and mozzarella can shine, or do you go all out with as many flavours as you can pack in? We give you the lowdown on where to find the most delicious pizzas in the city. (As you know, it’s all a matter of opinion, so please feel free to let us know if we’ve left anything out in the comments below.)

1. Mediterranean Chicken: Marc’s

Why we love it On top of a crisp, thin base is chicken, tomato, feta, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, rocket and mushroom. This pizza has been designed to give low-carb dieters a guilt-free and fulfilling treat.Good to know Marc’s specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, and before you tuck into your pizza, consider taking a look at the starters menu. The mezze options (such as falafel, spanakopita, marinated olives and dolmades) are a great way to whet your appetite while you wait for your mains.Cost R98Contact 021 863 3980, info@marcsrestaurant.co.zaAddress 129 Main Road, Paarl

2. Intelletuale: Big Route

Why we love it Hand-crafted and oozing with flavour, the thin-base pizza toppings of Luganica sausage, garlic, rosemary, roasted butternut, rocket, pumpkin seeds and grilled lemons make a delicious combination. The wood-fired pizza manages to be crispy in some places and chewy in others, providing an unbeliavable satisfying experience.Good to know Though the menu is dominated by pizza, there are also other equally delicious options such as pastas and salads. The gluten-free bases cost the same as the wheat ones.Cost R105 (small), R120 (large)Contact 021 433 2530, info@bigroute.co.zaAddress 105 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town

3. Sombrero: Olio Pizza

Why we love it Pizza purists, avert your eyes now! This is Mexico meets Milan. Think chilli con carne, avo, sour cream, jalapeños and tomato. Not exactly authentic Italian, but super-delicious.Good to know It’s right next door to Lime Tree Café, which does delicious burgers. If some of your party don’t feel like a pizza, they can order off Lime Tree’s menu. Banters will be pleased to know, there’s a Banting pizza, too.Cost R88Contact 021 712 1497, info@oliopizza.co.zaAddress Sherwood Centre, Corner Dreyersdal Road and Children’s Way Bergvliet

4. Papa G: Millhouse Kitchen

Why we love it Salami, avocado and chilli sit on top of a crispy thin base, yielding a simple, pared-back burst of flavours.Good to know Lourensford wine estate is the setting of this family-friendly restaurant, which has a lovely back terrace (with a lawn and kiddies’ play area).Cost R78Contact 021 847 0030, info@millhousekitchen.co.zaAddressLourensford Wine Estate

5. The Margherita: Bocca

Why we love it This Neapolitan classic features the best-quality fior di latte mozzarella, Parmesan, basil and olive oil, allowing the charred and fragrant flavours of the soft, elastic crust to shine through.Good to know The base is placed in a 485ºC pizza oven (specially imported from Italy), allowing it to cook in just 90 seconds! Your pizza comes to the table whole, so you can slice it up as you please.Cost R69Contact 021 422 0188, info@bocca.co.zaAddressCorner of Wale and Bree Street, Cape Town

6. Pizza Bianca: Massimo’s

Why we love it Bianca is the Italian word for “white” and, as such, this pizza does not have a tomato base, but rather it’s topped with a satisfying combination of garlic butter, mozzarella, smoked cheese and pan-fried mushrooms.Good to know For those with wheat or gluten allergies, ask for a farinata (pancake) base, made of chickpea flour, water, salt and olive oil. Or a Glutagon – a crunchy-style base made with rice flour, corn starch, tapioca, milk solids, raising agents, salt, stabilisers and sunflower oil. Pizzas aside, the homemade limoncello is definitely worth a try.Cost R90Contact 021 790 5648, info@massimos.co.zaAddress Oakhurst Farm Park, Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town

7. Margherita di Bufala: Pizza Piaggio

Why we love it The dough is made with real Italian flour that’s been fermented slowly for at least 48 hours before use. The simple flavours of the toppings – Italian tomato sauce, local buffalo mozzarella and basil – make it a pleasure to eat.

Good to know This is not a restaurant, but rather a food truck, which houses a custom-made clay oven that heats up to 600ºC! Email them to find out where they’ll be.Cost R60Contact 0813518969, pizzapiaggio@gmail.com

8. The Roberto: Carlyles On Derry

Why we love it Named after co-owner Rob Carlyle, this bacon, blue cheese, walnut and rocket combo sounds like quite a mouthful, but actually it’s rather delicious.Good to know The restaurant’s been around since 2002 when brothers Rob and Murray opened it. It’s the sort of place that happily accommodates boisterous celebration, romantic dinners and afterwork drinks – all at the same time.Cost R90Contact 021 461 8787, info@carlyles.co.zaAddress 17 Derry street, Vredehoek

9. Amalfi: Bacini’s

Why we love it It smacks of a Mediterranean holiday! The base is lined with tomato paste, mozzarella and oregano before mushrooms, salami, olives and anchovies are piled on the top.Good to know If none of the pizzas on the menu appeal, build your own from a wide range that includes cherry tomatoes, olives, prawns, smoked chicken, and more. For those with intolerances, there’s also a gluten-free option.Cost R90 (medium), R100 (large)Contact 021 423 6668, nelson@bacini.co.zaAddress 177 Kloof Street, Cape Town

10. The Don: Bardelli’s Kloof Street

Why we love it On top of a crispy thin base is a generous smattering of smoked chicken, peppadews, caramelised onions and avocado. The combination of spicy and sweet flavours makes The Don to dine for!Good to know Situated in the old Rosenhof House Estate that dates back to the 1700, Bardelli’s has a distinct homely feel, with various rooms creating intimate areas. In winter, choose the room with the fireplace; in summer you want to be in the alfresco back courtyard in summer.Cost R105Contact 021 423 1502, kloof@bardellis.comAddress 18 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

11. Prosciutto: Mitico

Why we love it Parma ham, rocket and Grana Padano are sprinkled on top a “bubbly” base (made from a secret family recipe). Simple, pared-back, delicious.Good to know As a multi-award winner of Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, this family-friendly restaurant focuses on giving an authentic Italian restaurant experience with an extensive menu that also includes delicious pastas.Cost R89Contact 021 422 2260, mitico@telkomsa.netAddress 71 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town.

12. Four Seasons: Nom Nom

Why we love it Before a night on Long Street, it’s always good to line your stomach with a tasty treat. It’s open until 4am, so it’s also a handy spot to pop into after a big night. We like the combo of ham, mushrooms, olives and artichokes on top of a crunchy base.Good to know Formerly known as Clay Oven, this laidback joint has a Design-A-Pizza section on its menu, allowing you to choose from four different bases (such as margherita and garlic focaccia) and an array of affordable toppings (such as peppers, artichokes, ham, figs, blue cheese and mince)Cost R82 (standard), R94 (large)Contact 021 424 7233,Address 166 Long Street, Cape Town

13. Capo: Posticino Hout Bay

Why we love it Can you say “cheese”? Because this is one for serious lovers of formaggio. We’re talking Gorgonzola, provolone and Parmesan on top of a wafer-thin base.Good to know Located in the foot of Chapman’s Peak, this restaurant’s spacious outdoor seating gives an amazing view of the bay and Sentinel Peak. Get there around sunset for an unforgettable experience.Cost R76Contact 021 791 1166, posticino@mweb.co.zaAddress 6 Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town

The Inside Guide has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Bianca Hector

Nicole Chapman

sandy pedersen

Someoaks Bistro Rondebosch has fantastic thin based with a huge variety of toppings. Also Eatouttebox Rondebosch and Wynberg have awesome thin based. The latter deliver free of charge within a 5km radius.

David Head

Pinkie Wilson

Marc’s on Main Road Paarl. One day, just longing for a good pizza, I hopped into my car and drove from Cape Town to Paarl and back. That’s how good they are!!! – and not only the pizzas-read the Tripadvisor comments.

david bodkin

Mike †

I would tell you where to get the best pizza in Cape Town, but the charming Italian restaurant is tiny, virtually unknown and is still fully booked every night, so I’d rather just keep it to myself. I will tell you it’s not on this list though. Happy hunting 🙂

The Inside Guide

Julie B

PORTALIA in Table View has been our best kept secret. This little Gem of restaurant started out as a takeaway and has become so popular they now have seats inside and outside. Are licensed and do Portuguese / Italian specialty dishes on certain evenings. For example: Espatada , Peri Peri Chicken, Rissoles.: to name a few.
However, the pizza’s are KING and no-where compares!

Graham

Sarah

I’m shocked that Bin Rashid and Mehanos haven’t made it to this list. I’m a HUGE pizza lover and out of all the amazing and expensive pizzas I have tried, Mehanos is still my favourite. Wood fired, saucy, lots of garlic and made with love.

Lisa De Boer

Kelly

We’re addicted to NY slice on kloof street. My boyfriend and I drive from Stellenbosch to Cape town for pizza and we never mind coz its worth it. So either we haven’t explored properly or the place has been overlooked…

Petrus Bekker

Lauren

Am addicted to Ferdinando’s! (I’ve been to their Obs branch only.) It came highly recommended by my Italian teacher, so I had high expectations – which were fully met! She also recommended Big Route, but I haven’t made it there yet.